The icy water of the La Junta River flows over the smooth rock in turquoise pools forming the famous "Toboganes of Cochamó". Native forest of the Cochamó Valley surrounds it. Above the tree line rise the granite mountains. The beauties of nature demonstrate its ability to amaze its visitors.
"Nothing is ugly in nature as long as it stays natural."
Attempting to go for the day from the parking area / trailhead, sliding down the "slides" or simply trying to walk on the slippery granite has been the main source of all the serious accidents in the valley, many misadventures and even the loss of a human life.
This is a long approach if you want to spend the day at the slides. It is a 24-kilometer round trip, more than 10 to 12 hours of hiking for most, on a trail that is not easy, with exposed roots, erosion and lots of mud if it has rained during previous days. The dense forest that dominates most of the trail gets dark sooner and for many who are not very fit and planned their times well, it has resulted in bad experiences, loosing the trail, getting hurt, getting cold and suffering exhaustion.
You may also feel it is a rushed trip because you will only see a small amount of what the Cochamó Valley has to offer in the La Junta area.
If, nevertheless, you're still planning on doing it regardless the warnings, here are some important points, tips and suggestions for your hike.
✓ There is a maximum per day of 90 people.
✓ You must be 13 years or older, and accompanied by an adult.
✓ Basic gear is required: headlamp (not your phone). Hiking shoes or boots appropriate for the trail conditions. Extra clothing. Food.
✓ It is permitted to start the round trip hike for the day up to 9 a.m. In general the hike can take 9 to 12 hours. Begin your hike down no later than 3 p.m. from La Junta.
✓ Take a headlamp per person, food, extra clothing, hiking footwear, raingear when the forecast shows unstable weather and a first aid kit.
✓ Be physically fit. If you don't hike much, you should reconsider this round trip hike in one day. You need to be in adequate physical condition to be able to handle 26 km of hiking on a mountain trail. Consider camping in La Junta.
✓ If a lot of rain is forecasted, don't go. Rivers can overflow and leave sections of the road impassable. It is important to know that rain is common in this area. In any case, the Visitor Center can advise you of the trail conditions upon arrival. If you know it is going to rain, be prepared.
✓ The Toboganes are extremely dangerous. Most of all serious accidents occur there.
✓ Do not pay for access to any river or lake. Access to rivers, waterfalls, slides or climbing walls is always free within the Cochamó Valley. See Access Is Always Free In Cochamó Valley. It is also important to note that by municipal ordinance, in order to take care of the environment such as the cleanliness of the water, camping is not permitted near the shore of the rivers or lakes.
Comment about the "DANGER" of the Toboganes: https://www.tripadvisor.cl/ShowUserReviews-g1204560-d7945907-r474989559-Toboganes_de_la_Junta-Cochamo_Los_Lagos_Region.html
Mammut Chile, recomendaciones: https://www.mammut.cl/recomendaciones-cochamo
Noticia de Radio Sago: https://www.radiosago.cl/rescatan-cuerpo-turista-norteamericano-sector-la-junta-del-rio-cochamo/
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